National

Karen Ristevski's daughter to appear as witness in murder case against dad

The daughter of mum Karen Ristevski has been revealed as a shock witness for the prosecution in the murder trial against her father.

Borce Ristevski, 54, will face court today for a committal mention after months in custody over the death of his 47-year-old wife.

The disappearance of Ms Ristevski captivated the nation after the fashion boutique owner seemingly vanished without a trace.

Borce Ristevski and his daughter, Sarah, made tearful pleas for information about Karen. (AAP)Mr Ristevski has always maintained his innocence.

She had been missing for eight months before her remains were spotted by a bushwalker at Macedon Regional Park in February 2017.

The Ristevskis' daughter, Sarah, made tearful pleas alongside her dad for the safe return of her mum while she was still missing.

The then 21-year-old broke down at a press conference in July last year when a reporter asked Mr Ristevski if he killed his wife.

The disappearance of Ms Ristevski captivated the nation after the fashion boutique owner seemingly vanished without a trace.

Mr Ristevski, who admitted he was the prime suspect, was charged with murder 10 months later in December, and has been in custody since.

He has always maintained his innocence.

Lawyers for the accused have drafted a notice of application to supress the case from the media to ensure he is given a fair trial.

Despite previously living in a million-dollar Avondale Heights home, Mr Ristevski was last month granted state-funded Legal Aid for his top defence lawyer.

She had been missing for eight months before her remains were spotted by a bushwalker at Macedon Regional Park.The Ristevskis' daughter, Sarah, made tearful pleas alongside her dad for the safe return of her mum while she was still missing.

Mr Ristevski's lawyers poured over a 22,000-page brief of evidence as they look to defend the accused killer.

Magistrate Suzanne Cameron noted there was a large volume of evidence that covered a range of "topics".

Up to 80 witnesses may be called at a future committal hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Mr Ristevski to stand trial.

The magistrate said several witnesses will speak about the "background and history" of the case.

During his time in prison, it was revealed Mr Ristevski had been bashed.Mr Ristevski was comforted by family and friends at his wife's funeral.

This type of evidence may be used in relation to motive, the court was told.

A car similar to Ms Ristevski's black Mercedes-Benz coupe was spotted by CCTV cameras at Diggers Rest on the day she went missing, police have previously said.

Mr Ristevski was one of the pallbearers at a private funeral service for his wife at Essendon's St John's Uniting Church.

Mr Ristevski was one of the pallbearers at a private funeral service for his wife at Essendon's St John's Uniting Church.